THE LAWYER for the families of the three Scottish soldiers murdered by unnamed IRA assassins in 1971 has called on the Scottish Government to “take responsibility” and do “everything in its powers” to unmask the young Scots’ killers.

Matthew Jury, managing partner of the McCue & Partners firm, said it was “surprising to say the least”, given the SNP’s commitment to independence, that they claim the families’ lengthy campaign for justice is an issue for Westminster.

Soldiers and brothers Joseph and John McCaig, who were murdered by the Provisional IRA on 10th March 1971

Royal Highland Fusiliers Dougald McCaughey, 23, and brothers John McCaig, 17, and Joseph McCaig, 18, were off-duty in civilian clothes when they were lured from a Belfast pub and shot on March 10, 1971.

The soldiers’ families will now meet with the Scottish Conservatives to discuss their position on the campaign for justice.

crossbow slaughter

FAMILY AGONY

FLAT PARTY HORROR

Slain dad knifed to death for defending his brother in Easterhouse brawl

COP CRACKDOWN

Celtic fans face arrest in Brussels if caught without tickets

Writing in the Belfast News Letter, Mr Jury said SNP MSP Keith Brown, minister for veterans, met with the families in March.

He said: “They were told by Mr Brown that this was an issue for Westminster.

“Given the stock and pride the SNP places in its commitment to independence, this was surprising to say the least.

“In the event, the families have now received a reply that all the Scottish government is prepared to do is write to its Westminster, Northern Ireland and Irish counterparts to “raise awareness of the campaign.

“Beyond that, it would seem that the families are on their own. But why?

“Why wouldn’t the SNP want to do everything in its powers to uncover who was responsible for this terrorist atrocity?

“Why wouldn’t the Scottish government want to take responsibility for uncovering the truth behind the murder of its own citizens?

“No doubt the SNP condemns the terrorist action of the IRA and, indeed, any terrorist atrocity.

“But perhaps it should be doing more to restore confidence in victims of terrorism by backing the families’ campaign to the fullest extent.

“The SNP should be doing everything in its power to unmask the Three Scottish Soldiers killers.

“After 45 years, the families have waited and suffered long enough.”

The Scottish Government argued it is not their place to interfere with ongoing police investigations.

A Scottish Government spokesman said: “The First Minister and veterans minister have made clear that the murders of these young soldiers were deplorable, and it is deeply disappointing that no one has been brought to justice for the killings.

“Keith Brown met the campaign earlier this year – but it is not for any government to become involved in private legal action or to intervene in any police investigation.

“However, Mr Brown has offered to raise the campaigners’ case with the UK Government, the Irish Government and, once devolution is restored, the Northern Ireland Executive.

“The families have accepted this offer and we have had constructive talks on how to approach this.”